Meet Identical twins Jean and Dean! Jean and Dean were born Dec.5,1931 in Vincennes, Indiana. Proudly Dean (on right) was born first. Their mother Goldie, who went to school with Red Skelton, didn't realize she was having twins until birth. They both weighed in at over 7 pounds. After moving from Vincennes at a young age, they came to Evansville, Indiana. That is where they were raised, married off, and grew their families of their own. Jean has 6 children, 15 grand children and 9 great grandchildren. Dean has 4 children, 11 grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren.
As I spent the day with these beautiful ladies doing their Saturday morning routine (that consisted of going to the beauty shop and for donuts) , I realized what a special bond they have with one another. At the beauty shop I met their hair dresser of around 35 years, Pat. She could do their hair in her sleep and claims she actually has done so. Yet, them being identical, they prefer their hair differently. Jean likes her hair styled flatter and curly and Dean likes her hair nice and tall. ( you know the saying, "The bigger the hair, the closer to God"). While quietly observing, I found it funny how times have changed. As both sat there with their heads under the drier, Jean and Dean were both talking on their cell phones. Jean's daughter Cindy popped in for a chat and then they said their good byes until next week. Off they were to continue their ritual of stopping for donuts and then they swung by the funeral home to pay their respects for a dear friend.
Later I met them back at Jean's beautiful home she has lived in for 54 years. She has a nice yard with plenty of shade, bird feeders, squirrel feeders, rockers on her porch, beautiful flowers, and a relaxing gazebo out back. It was a place that anyone would love to call home, and certainly a special place for grandchildren to visit their Granny. After walking around for a bit, we found her son (Timmy) sitting on the porch. Timmy has lived with Jean since he was born 61 years ago, (due to special needs). Her sweet son, that she has lovingly cared for, for so long, adored having his pictured taken. And, boy, was Timmy photogenic! So, I snapped a few of him before heading off to the backyard gazebo.
Out back, I get a chance to meet another one of Jean's sons (John). John was busy tilling the large garden but took the time to come over and say "hello". I was so amazed by his determination and perseverance as I watched him return to his work. John has recently lost both of his feet due to illness, and despite his obstacles in life he continues to live life to the fullest and not let anything stop him from what he wants to do. You could see how proud Jean was, deservingly so. As we continue to sit in the gazebo surrounded by flowers, we are joined by Jean's furry friends and conversation continue.
We chat and laugh over all of Jean and Dean's adventures. Jean tells funny stories of times when Timmy's false eye fell out in school, her bathroom experience on a cruise ship, and Jean and Dean's trip to Las Vegas together. Dean, then chimed in with stories of her own. She told of a trip to the boat (a place they both frequent), when Dean started feeling a bit tired on the trip back. So, she sat down on her new seat when her husband decided to give her a kind push. Dean almost couldn't finish the story from laughing so hard as she explained that her walker collapsed, landed on the ground with her husband laying on top of her. It was so fun listening and laughing with them at all their stories.
After I snap a few more images and listen to a few more stories, we head into Jean's home through the back room. There, we stop and admire the images of her family through the years. You can tell the pride she has in each and every one. She told stories and pointed out who each person is and how wonderful they are. These where more than just pictures to her-they were her life, memories, and they held a special place in her heart. These will be images she will hand down to her children and grandchildren.
As we head out the door another son (Scott) shows up with a bucket of fresh fish. I admire how popular she is with her children and she tells me they all live close by (something rare in this day and time). For the holiday weekend, they will be having a large gathering under the shade tree with fresh fish, food, and homemade angel food cake -made by Jean.
My morning was complete as I snap a few more images and hug them both goodbye. A beautiful morning, I will always remember with Jean and Dean.
Stay Fabulous! Jill